cloth

noun

ˈklȯth How to pronounce cloth (audio)
plural cloths ˈklȯt͟hz How to pronounce cloth (audio) ˈklȯths How to pronounce cloth (audio)
Synonyms of clothnext
often attributive
1
a
: a pliable material made usually by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments
terry cloth
a linen cloth
b
: a similar material (as of glass)
Woven glass cloth produces a strong laminate.
2
: a piece of cloth adapted for a particular purpose
especially : tablecloth
3
a
: a distinctive dress of a profession or calling
b
: the dress of the clergy
also : clergy
had respect for the cloth

Synonyms of cloth

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of cloth in a Sentence

The dress is made out of a beautiful silk cloth. Wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth. He has great respect for the cloth.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Spray and wipe away with a soft cloth for sparkling clean results. — Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 7 July 2026 First, dab excess oil or grease stains from the clothing with a clean cloth. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 5 July 2026 Use a pillowcase or microfiber cloth to trap dust when cleaning fan blades, and avoid spraying cleaners directly on the blades. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 While cleaning for their annual fair, among the cobwebs and dust, community members in Waseca County, Minnesota, spotted an enormous parcel wrapped in oil cloth tucked into the eaves of a historic cabin on display inside a fairgrounds hall. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cloth

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English clāth cloth, garment; akin to Middle High German kleit garment

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cloth was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing cloth

Rhymes for cloth

See All Rhymes for cloth

Browse Nearby Words

clote
cloth
cloth beam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cloth. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cloth

noun
ˈklȯth How to pronounce cloth (audio)
plural cloths ˈklȯt͟hz How to pronounce cloth (audio) ˈklȯths How to pronounce cloth (audio)
1
: a woven or knitted material (as of cotton or nylon)
2
: a piece of cloth used for a particular purpose
a polishing cloth
3
: tablecloth

More from Merriam-Webster on cloth

Nglish: Translation of cloth for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cloth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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